Iso-Palonen - Maariansärkät Nature Reserve

Here, amidst the eskers, the wild forest reindeer has found a sheltered feeding and breeding ground. In this same environment, hikers can also find a place where they can break loose from their everyday routines, let their minds rest and enjoy the offerings of nature.

The Iso-Palonen - Maariansärkät Nature Reserve, located in the eastern part of Kuhmo, is a tapestry of small lakes, numerous ponds, pine heaths and eskers. The esker formation crossing the reserve has been an important area for the migration of the wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) as well as providing it with a grazing ground.

The Iso-Palonen - Maariansärkät Nature Reserve is part of the Friendship Park, which consists of five separate nature reserves mainly located in the municipality of Kuhmo. The Friendship Park and the Kostomuksha Strict Nature Reserve form the Finno-Russian Friendship Nature Reserve.